The role of health centres in the development of urban health systems : report of a WHO study group on primary health care in urban areas

Rapid urbanization and a shortage of resources has meant increasingly that many cities in developing and industrialised countries are unable to provide the infrastructure and services required to meet the needs of their populations.

In low-income areas the effects of environmental degradation and lack of housing, drinking water and sanitation alongside poor quality and inadequate health services have led to an urban health crisis.

This report presents the conclusions and recommendations of a study group, which consider ways of enhancing the role of health centres in the development of equitable health systems, in cities throughout the world.